Bi-color LED Liquid Level Indicator for High-Temperature Standpipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid level indicators are difficult to read in darkness, lack remote reading capabilities, and have a practical upper temperature limit, making them unsuitable for use with hot fluids.

Innovation Solution

A liquid level indicator system using bi-color light-emitting diodes (LEDs) actuated by a magnet system, which provides a color change indication and includes a hall-effect switch to sense the magnetic field, allowing for remote reading and high-temperature operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a mechanical indicator system is used to indicate liquid level, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but it is difficult to read during darkness and from a distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility in darknessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical indicator system with an LED illumination system into a single integrated device. The LED elements are positioned to illuminate the mechanical indicators, allowing the simple mechanical structure to be visible in darkness without adding complex separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs bi-color LEDs that can emit different colors (e.g., red and green) to indicate different liquid level states. This color-changing capability provides clear visual differentiation of liquid levels while maintaining ease of reading in various lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical indicator system is used, then the device is simple, but it lacks remote reading capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote reading capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the single device: mechanical indication for local viewing, LED illumination for enhanced visibility, and electronic sensing with remote transmission capability. This multi-functionality allows the device to serve both local and remote reading needs without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If traditional indicator materials are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it has a practical upper limit to operating temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-temperature resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs LED elements that can operate at high temperatures where traditional mechanical indicators would fail. The combination of LED technology with heat-resistant housing materials creates a composite system that maintains functionality in high-temperature environments while remaining manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If bi-color LEDs are used to indicate liquid level, then remote reading and high-temperature operation are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical indication mechanisms with electronic LED elements that are actuated by magnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining the reliability of magnetic actuation, resulting in a more robust system suitable for high-temperature and remote operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy visualization of liquid levels from a distance, even in darkness, and operates reliably at high temperatures, enhancing the usability and reliability of the indicator.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

A liquid level indicator system using bi-color light-emitting diodes (LEDs) actuated by a magnet system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8933810B1Illuminated liquid level indicator

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 DONEHUE WADE L

AI summary

A liquid level indicator indicates liquid level in a standpipe with a color change in a column of lights positioned alongside the standpipe. The indicator can be used alongside a mechanical indicator which indicates liquid level in a standpipe with a color change in a column of magnetic elements to light the mechanical indicator. The two indicators when used together provide high visibility under all conditions.